Burglary is one of the most common crimes committed against
older persons. The elderly seem to become burglary victims
at about the same rate as the rest of the population. However,
their traumatic reaction to this crime may be much more
intense. Elderly homeowners are more likely than those
who rent to become victims of household crime. Some speculate
that this is because seniors who rent are often living
in a complex where there are more people watching out for
crime.
Burglary can be a frightening experience, especially
if the elderly victim lives alone and is at home at the
time of the crime. A victim of burglary may feel a sense
of invasion, loss of control, and/or anger toward losing
something very special to them. Sometimes property that
would not be considered valuable to others assumes a special
significance to an older person. For instance, a television
set or radio may be a lifeline of communication to an isolated
person.
Burglary of one’s home can create a strong sense
of vulnerability and this is especially true for the elderly.
Learn ways to protect your home from burglary. This will
help you to avoid becoming a victim. For example, contact
your local police for a home security check.
Here are some helpful tips while at home:
- Always keep your doors and windows locked.
- Install deadbolt locks on all your doors.
- Keep your home well lit at night, inside and out,
and keep your curtains closed at night.
- Install a peephole in your front door so you can see
callers without opening the door.
- Ask for proper identification from deliverymen or
strangers. Do not be afraid of asking -- if they are
legitimate they will not mind.
- If a stranger asks to use your telephone, offer to
place the call for him/her yourself. Never let a stranger
into your home.
- Do not leave notes on your door when you are gone,
and do not hide your keys under the mat or in other conspicuous
places.
- Never give out information over the telephone indicating
you are alone or that you will not be home at a certain
time.
- When you are gone for more than a day, make sure your
home looks and sounds occupied -- use an automatic timer
to turn on lights and a radio or television.
